Abstract: A work machine includes a chassis and a lift mechanism. A tow-behind attachment is positioned rearward of the work machine and includes a frame assembly, a spoils rake assembly, and a cage roller assembly. The frame assembly includes a forward portion and a rearward portion. The forward portion is coupled with the chassis and the lift mechanism. The rearward portion is coupled with and moveable to a plurality of positions relative to the forward portion independent of movement of the forward portion relative to the chassis. The spoils rake assembly is coupled with and extends downward from the rearward portion at a position forward of the cage roller assembly and is moveable vertically relative to the rearward portion. The cage roller assembly is coupled with and extends downward from the rearward portion of the frame assembly at a location rearward of the spoils rake assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for operatively coupling a towable tool with a work machine via a three-point hitch includes a vehicle-side and a tool-side frame operatively coupled with a pivot bearing and a key-lock pairing. A biasing member is coupled with an configured to bias the tool-side frame relative to the vehicle-side frame.

Abstract: A towable tool includes a frame extending over a width in an X-axis direction, a length in a Y-axis direction, and a height in a z-axis direction. A plurality of ground-contacting support wheels are rotatably coupled with the frame. A plurality of ground-working discs each rotatably coupled with a respective rigid shank. Each rigid shank is received and selectably retained in a respective receptacle of the frame.

Abstract: A hitch for coupling a ground working tool with a work machine comprises a first elongate member configured to couple with a work machine at a rearward location of the work machine, a second elongate member configured to couple with the ground working tool, and a play-added clevis joint coupling the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The play-added clevis joint comprises a clevis including a first clevis member having a first eye and a second clevis member having a second eye, a tang member including an oblong-shaped third eye, and a pin passing through the first eye, the second eye, and the third eye. The clevis and the tang member are rotatable relative to one another about a Z-axis of the pin. The clevis is tiltable relative to the tang member in a Y-Z plane extending along a centerline of the oblong-shaped third eye.

Abstract: A self propelled soil working machine includes a tool carrier which is actively adjustable to provide variable downward force on a soil working tool via a suspension element which is further passively responsive to accommodate motion of the tool in response to external force. The tool carrier is configured to adjust the working depth and pitch of the tool.

Abstract: A work machine includes a first actuator operatively coupled with a first suspension element and a second actuator operatively coupled with a second suspension element. A grading tool assembly is operatively coupled with the first suspension element and the second suspension element. A receiver is operatively coupled with the chassis and configured and operable to detect a wireless signal. An electronic controller is in operative communication with the receiver, the first actuator, and the second actuator and is configured and operable to control the first actuator and the second actuator in response to a wireless signal detected by the receiver.

Abstract: A work machine is operatively coupled with a bucket attachment. A lift mechanism coupled with the work machine is adjustable to a plurality of Z-axis positions. The bucket attachment includes a bucket rotatably coupled with a frame. The frame is rotatably coupled with a rear end of the work machine and is coupled with the lift mechanism by at least one flexible rigging. The lift mechanism is adjustable to a first position in which the frame is rotated so that the bucket contacts the underlying ground surface and the flexible rigging does not support any of a weight of the frame and to a second position in which the frame is rotated so that the bucket is raised above the underlying ground surface and the flexible rigging supports at least a portion of the weight of the frame.

Abstract: A work machine includes a roller rotatably coupled with a chassis by a suspension and an actuator operatively coupled with the chassis and the suspension and adjustable to adjust the suspension and the roller to a first position wherein the roller is raised above an underlying ground surface with rearward and forward wheels contacting an underlying ground surface, a second position wherein the roller is in contact with the underlying ground surface with the rearward and forward wheels contacting the underlying ground surface, and a third position wherein the roller is in contact with the underlying ground surface with the rearward wheels contacting the underlying ground surface and the forward wheels raised above the underlying ground surface.

Abstract: A surface conditioning drag tool apparatus includes a plurality of fencing members each extending laterally along a width of the drag tool and spaced apart from one another at a plurality of locations between a front end and a rear end of the drag tool. The plurality of fencing members include a plurality of lower ground contacting extremities and a plurality of upper extremities spaced apart from one another in height and a frame coupled with and positioned above the plurality of ground working fencing members.

Abstract: Work machines including automatic grading features and functions. One exemplary embodiment is a work machine including a chassis, ground contacting members rotatably coupled with the chassis and an actuator coupled with the chassis. A pole assembly extends above the chassis. A receiver is coupled with the pole assembly and structured to detect a wireless signal. An electronic controller is in operative communication with the receiver and the actuator, the electronic controller structured to adjust an actuator in response to a wireless signal detected by the receiver. The actuator is adjustable to vary position of the receiver and to vary position of a grading tool assembly coupled with a suspension.

Abstract: A grading tool comprises a frame extending between a hitch and a ground contacting member. A first adjustment mechanism and a lever are coupled with the frame. A suspension assembly including a spring is coupled with the lever. A grading box assembly is coupled with the frame and with the suspension assembly. The spring is compressible to accommodate motion between the lever and the grading box assembly. A second adjustment mechanism is coupled with the frame and the grading box assembly and is adjustable to selectably increase and decrease in length. A fixation member is coupled with the grading box assembly and is selectably coupleable with the frame to fix a first side of the grading box assembly vertically relative to the frame while allowing vertical movement of a second side of the of the grading box assembly relative to the frame.

Abstract: One embodiment is a work machine including an actuator coupled with a chassis, a suspension coupled with the actuator, and a tool mount coupled with the suspension. A grading tool assembly is coupled with the tool mount. A wireless receiver is coupled with the suspension. An electronic controller in operative communication with the receiver and the actuator is structured to adjust the actuator in response to a signal received by the receiver effective to simultaneously adjust the position of the receiver and the force applied to the suspension. A grading indicator is coupled with the suspension and provides a visually perceptible indication of a current state of grading relative to a desired state of grading.

Abstract: Work machines including automatic grading features and functions. One exemplary embodiment is a work machine including a chassis, ground contacting members rotatably coupled with the chassis and an actuator coupled with the chassis. A pole assembly extends above the chassis. A receiver is coupled with the pole assembly and structured to detect a wireless signal. An electronic controller is in operative communication with the receiver and the actuator, the electronic controller structured to adjust an actuator in response to a wireless signal detected by the receiver. The actuator is adjustable to vary position of the receiver and to vary position of a grading tool assembly coupled with a suspension.

Abstract: One embodiment is a work machine including a frame extending along a length, a width and a height. Front and rear ground contacting wheels are rotatably coupled with the frame. A linkage is coupled with the frame and a tool mount coupled with the linkage. A suspension element accommodates movement of the tool mount in response to external force. An actuator system is structured to move the tool mount through translation and/or rotation. An edging tool assembly is coupled with the tool mount and includes a ground working implement.

Abstract: One embodiment is a tow-behind grading tool structured for attachment to a work machine. The tool includes a frame, ground contacting members rotatably coupled with the frame, a comb coupled with the frame and extending from a first end of the frame, a tow coupling member coupled with the frame and located proximate a second end of the frame, the second end of the frame being opposite the first end of the frame, a drag bar assembly including a plurality of arms rotatably coupled with the frame and drag bar rotatably coupled with the plurality of arms, and at least one spring coupled with the frame and the drag bar assembly such that the spring resists upward rotation of the drag bar and provides force urging the drag bar to rotate downward after upward rotation of the drag bar.

Abstract: Unique self-propelled soil working machines are disclosed. In certain exemplary embodiments the self propelled soil working machine includes a tool carrier which is actively adjustable to provide variable downward force on a soil working tool via a suspension element which is further passively responsive to accommodate motion of the tool in response to external force. In certain exemplary embodiments, the tool carrier is configured to adjust the working depth and pitch of the tool. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and figures.

Abstract: An implement is disclosed for smoothing grounds that include at least a compact base having a top surface and a lesser compact footing on top of the base. The implement includes a frame having a front portion, a central portion, a rear portion, and a width. Wheels are mounted for rotation directly to the frame, and tools are carried by the frame for engagement with the ground. The tools include a specially shaped cleaving blade connected to the rear portion of the frame by a tool support, which securely connects the cleaving blade at predetermined heights. The blade has a front shaving edge and a rear compressing edge. The blade extends straight across the width of the frame so as to maximize the drag displaced on the frame during use of the blade. Arrangement of the wheels directly on the frame provides optimal stabilization of the frame during operation of the blade.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a grading tool structured for attachment to a work machine. The grading tool includes a frame, ground contacting wheels coupled with the frame, a comb coupled with the frame and extending from a first end of the frame, and a coupling member coupled with the frame and structured to be accessible from a second end of the frame. When the ground contacting wheels are in contact with the ground a depth of penetration of the comb into the ground surface is adjustable by changing the pitch of the grading tool.